Introduction to Bargello

Bring Bargello quilts off your to-do list and into your home! Create three approachable Bargello projects, each with cascading color and mesmerizing movement.

Discover how accessible and beautiful Bargello can be with fabric and pattern designer Karen Gibbs. Start by creating a Bargello version of the Chinese Coins pattern. Learn to set up your machine, choose fabrics, create Bargello segments from strip sets and piece your quilt. Then, create the Something About Paris quilt, where you'll pair Bargello sequences with large half-square triangles and reverse appliqué hearts for a harmony of pattern, imagery and color. Finally, create a Bargello Madison's Star pattern using seven strip sets and straightforward instructions. Learn the Bargello technique to piece quilts with the kinetic color and flowing movement you're eager to achieve.

Lesson plan

Lesson 1. Bargello Basics

Meet your instructor, pattern designer Karen Gibbs, before learning what Bargello is, how it can be used to create gorgeous projects and what you'll create over the course of this class.

32:46

Lesson 2. Bargello Coins

Dive into an exploration of creating Bargello strip sets. Karen shows you step-by-step instructions for measuring, cutting, aligning and sewing your sets to create squared-up segments that can be paired to create dynamic coins.

29:41

Lesson 3. Something About Paris

Begin the stunning "Something About Paris" quilt as you construct the background pieces with Karen's troubleshooting tips along the way. You'll gain practice with sharp and soft curves in addition to professional tips on cutting, pinning and arranging your pieces.

26:17

Lesson 4. Reverse Applique Bargello

Discover how to use reverse appliqué techniques to create the gorgeous heart pieces for your "Something About Paris" quilt. Karen demonstrates how to trace, baste and attach the reverse appliqué and shares methods to eliminate shadows caused by bulky layers.

14:30

Lesson 5. Starting Madison's Star

Jump into your next quilt, the eye-catching "Madison's Star" project. You'll put your new Bargello skills to work as you sort, sew and press your segments together to create the diamond shapes that are key to this design.

36:00

Lesson 6. Completing the Star

Complete the quilt you started in the previous lesson as you put the polishing touches on your diamond designs and sew them together using Karen's effective and efficient Y-seam technique. You'll also gain insider tips on various quilting options for the projects you've learned in class and other Bargello designs.

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Lesson 1. Bargello Basics

Meet your instructor, pattern designer Karen Gibbs, before learning what Bargello is, how it can be used to create gorgeous projects and what you'll create over the course of this class.

32:46

Lesson 2. Bargello Coins

Dive into an exploration of creating Bargello strip sets. Karen shows you step-by-step instructions for measuring, cutting, aligning and sewing your sets to create squared-up segments that can be paired to create dynamic coins.

29:41

Lesson 3. Something About Paris

Begin the stunning "Something About Paris" quilt as you construct the background pieces with Karen's troubleshooting tips along the way. You'll gain practice with sharp and soft curves in addition to professional tips on cutting, pinning and arranging your pieces.

26:17

Lesson 4. Reverse Applique Bargello

Discover how to use reverse appliqué techniques to create the gorgeous heart pieces for your "Something About Paris" quilt. Karen demonstrates how to trace, baste and attach the reverse appliqué and shares methods to eliminate shadows caused by bulky layers.

14:30

Lesson 5. Starting Madison's Star

Jump into your next quilt, the eye-catching "Madison's Star" project. You'll put your new Bargello skills to work as you sort, sew and press your segments together to create the diamond shapes that are key to this design.

36:00

Lesson 6. Completing the Star

Complete the quilt you started in the previous lesson as you put the polishing touches on your diamond designs and sew them together using Karen's effective and efficient Y-seam technique. You'll also gain insider tips on various quilting options for the projects you've learned in class and other Bargello designs.

The instructor

Karen Gibbs, Instructor of Introduction to Bargello

Karen Gibbs is an independent quilt fabric and pattern designer as well as a teacher. Her quilting story started while she was working as a designer at Eagle's Eye, a clothing manufacturer. More than 250 of Karen's batik prints were released in fall 2013 and are in stores now. Throughout her quilting journey, Karen has taught many classes in shops, guilds and at shows. Now she's excited to bring her knowledge and love of quilting to Craftsy!

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(7 reviews)

Magic Beginners course With Tons Of Tips

by desiree-r on March 25, 2015

Brilliant for beginners

Brilliant for beginners

Love It!

by NoCalMina on March 20, 2015

An exciting concept for the adventures quilter!

An exciting concept for the adventures quilter!

Basic Bargello

by sheilamwalker on November 16, 2014

Very good details on how to keep it straight.

Very good details on how to keep it straight.

Fabulous class

by Deemeegee on August 5, 2014

I so thoroughly have enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) this class. I learned a technique so out of my usual. Karen is a wonderful teacher with a delightful manner. My Madison Star is almost completed and it is one of the best quilts I have ever made. The class offers three projects, so you can select which one suits you. These projects do take time -- and a lot of replaying of lessons -- but the outcome is well worth it.

I so thoroughly have enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) this class. I learned a technique so out of my usual. Karen is a wonderful teacher with a delightful manner. My Madison Star is almost completed and it is one of the best quilts I have ever made. The class offers three projects, so you can select which one suits you. These projects do take time -- and a lot of replaying of lessons -- but the outcome is well worth it.

Good Instructions

by Grandma5gg1 on January 3, 2015

I like the instructions she gives, and matching up Bargello buddies, in order to keep every straight and not lose your way. Good job!

I like the instructions she gives, and matching up Bargello buddies, in order to keep every straight and not lose your way. Good job!

This class should be a great fit! Intermediate to advanced quilters will love learning this gorgeous, eye-catching technique with the energetic and thorough instruction given by Karen Gibbs. You’ll learn everything from the history of the Bargello stitch to an in-depth exploration of creating strip segments and how to incorporate them in complex quilts.